My 69 VC is only charging at 11.8 volts. I’ve installed new alternator,voltage regulator, and horn relay. I suspect a ground issue. I’ve cleaned battery cables, and negative ground location. Any suggestions.

 

I don't see "replaced the battery" on the list.

 

Perform a voltage drop test and/or a resistance test between the BATT & ALT on both the (+) and (-) circuit(s) w/ a DMM before spending additional cash.

 

Best advice.

 

That's funny

 

Battery new and good

 

When I test the voltage at the regulator I get the same readings 11.8. Replaced original regulator and get the same voltage. On the Second alternator both bench checked at Orielly and showing outputs of 14.3 volts. First alternator had a bad bearing. I did a jump test on by jumping the f and 2 wires on regulator wire harness to bypass the regulator and had same 11.8 voltage output,, it should have went up, but it didn’t, could it be a bad wire harness from alternator to regulator

 

Sounds like you got it. Good job!
It could be that any one of your "new" parts is bad. Of course, that's impossible because they're new.

 

Should be F to 3 (not 2) to bypass the regulator. Anyone disagree?

 

If it's externally regulated, the field terminals should be emitting AC voltage, I think, in theory, maybe. Or, you can just touch ferrous metal to the spindle while it's on and see if it's magnetized.
I say your battery is resting at 11.8 and the alternator isn't charging at all. Don't the factory charge leads have a fusible link inline? For the life of me, I will never figure out how people pop them.
The troubleshooting has been minimal at best. You should never run the car on the alternator alone, however you can run it on the battery. Unhook the charge lead from the alternator to isolate it, then measure voltage output (or lack thereof). I'd put a good charge on that battery before it sustains more damage.
ALSO, is the ALT light on? Does it have a bulb in it? Is it burned out? That completes the circuit providing 12v to excite the regulator.

 

Step by Step-----↓

 

Agree. Momentary F>3 @ VR

 

Yes F-3 my bad, miss typed.

 

I believe I solved it, now charging at 12.9 with it spiking to 13.8 at 1500 rpm. Then drops back to 12.9 when idling. I replaced alternator connector o the blue (exciter) wire. Car ran so much better and no dimming of lights.
Thanks everybody.

 

Your charging voltage @ the battery should be between 13.8VDC - 14.4VDC.